Licorice for Gingivitis: Does It Work?
Does Licorice (Yashtimadhu) help with gingivitis? Yes, and it is one of the small handful of herbs that classical Ayurveda names directly for inflamed gum margins. The Ayurveda Encyclopedia, in its chapter on the metabolic system, lists Licorice among the principal herbs for gingivitis alongside sesame oil, cardamom, and cane sugar. The pairing is not accidental: gingivitis in Ayurveda is read as a Pitta-Rakta disorder (excess Pitta and vitiated blood inflaming the gum muscles), and Licorice is one of the premier Pitta Shamaka herbs in the pharmacopoeia.
Licorice is sweet and bitter in taste (Madhura, Tikta Rasa), cold in potency (Sheeta Virya), and pacifies Vata and Pitta while mildly increasing Kapha. For an inflamed, red, tender gum line, that property profile is almost custom-built. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists three karmas that matter here directly: Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), Vrana Ropana (wound healing), and Kanthya (soothing for the throat and oral mucosa). These are exactly the actions the gum needs when it is bleeding, sore, or freshly irritated by plaque and tartar.
Used as a mouth rinse, paste, or oil-pulling adjunct, Licorice soothes the inflamed gum margin (called Sheetada in classical texts when the gums bleed and turn soft) and supports the healing of the small ulcerations that often sit alongside early gum disease. It does not replace mechanical plaque removal, but it gives the inflamed tissue a window to recover.
How Licorice Helps with Gingivitis
Gingivitis in Ayurveda sits inside the Dantamula Roga (diseases of the gum-root) family. The classical pathology is a Pitta-Rakta inflammation: heat and vitiated blood accumulate at the gum margin, producing redness, swelling, tenderness, and easy bleeding. Where the gums turn soft and spongy with bleeding on light contact, the classical name is Sheetada. Licorice's mechanism on this picture works on three layers at once.
First, its cold potency (Sheeta Virya) and sweet taste directly counter the heat excess (Pitta Prakopa) driving the inflammation. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu classifies Licorice as Pitta Shamaka, and the same anti-inflammatory action (Shothahara) that calms an inflamed throat or peptic ulcer calms an inflamed gum line. Second, its Vrana Ropana (wound healing) karma supports closure of the small mucosal breaks at the gum margin where bacteria seed plaque biofilm. The Sushruta Samhita uses warm ghee mixed with Yashtimadhu specifically for post-surgical wound pain, the same demulcent action soothes the raw gum.
Third, on the modern side, glycyrrhizin and licorice flavonoids have documented anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activity against several oral pathogens implicated in plaque-induced gingivitis, including Streptococcus mutans and gum-disease-associated anaerobes. This explains why licorice extracts are a frequent ingredient in herbal toothpastes and mouthwashes designed for sensitive or bleeding gums. The classical and modern accounts converge: Licorice cools the local heat, supports tissue repair, and slows microbial overgrowth at the gum margin.
How to Use Licorice for Gingivitis
For gingivitis, Licorice is most effective topically at the gum line rather than swallowed. The classical preparations are a decoction mouthrinse (Kashaya Gandusha), a powder applied directly to the gum, and an oil-pulling adjunct with sesame oil. Each form delivers Licorice's anti-inflammatory and wound-healing action straight to the inflamed tissue, with very low systemic exposure (which matters because Licorice taken orally in large daily doses can raise blood pressure).
Best Form: Licorice Decoction Mouthrinse
Simmer 1 teaspoon of Yashtimadhu powder in 1 cup of water for 8 to 10 minutes until reduced by roughly a third. Strain, cool to comfortable warmth, and swish 2 to 3 tablespoons in the mouth for about 60 seconds, focusing on the inflamed gum areas. Spit out. Repeat twice daily after brushing.
Alternative: Licorice-Sesame Oil Pulling (Gandusha)
The Ayurveda Encyclopedia pairs Licorice with sesame oil in its gingivitis protocol. Warm 1 tablespoon of sesame oil with a pinch of fine Yashtimadhu powder. Swish gently for 5 to 10 minutes (do not gargle, do not swallow). Spit out, rinse, then brush. This combines sesame's classical action on dental tissue with Licorice's anti-inflammatory effect.
Dosage Reference
| Form | Dose | Method | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yashtimadhu decoction (mouthrinse) | 1 tsp powder in 1 cup water, reduced | Swish 60 seconds, spit | 2x daily after brushing |
| Yashtimadhu powder + sesame oil (Gandusha) | 1 tbsp sesame oil + pinch powder | Swish 5 to 10 min, spit | 1x daily, morning |
| Yashtimadhu paste (direct application) | Pinch powder + few drops water | Rub gently on gums, leave 2 min | 1x daily, evening |
Duration
Most people notice less bleeding and tenderness within 7 to 10 days of consistent twice-daily rinsing. A full course of 4 to 6 weeks alongside proper brushing and flossing is reasonable for mild-to-moderate gingivitis. If swelling, bleeding, or pain has not improved meaningfully after 2 weeks, see a dentist for scaling. Topical use carries none of the blood pressure caution that comes with daily oral Licorice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Licorice take to work for gingivitis?
Most people notice less bleeding on brushing and softer, less tender gums within 7 to 10 days of consistent twice-daily Yashtimadhu mouthrinse use. A full visible reduction in redness and swelling usually takes 3 to 4 weeks. If you see no improvement after 2 weeks, the underlying plaque load is probably still too high and a dental scaling is needed before any herb can do its work.
Do I still need a dental cleaning if I use Licorice?
Yes, and this is important. Gingivitis is plaque-driven: bacteria sit in the biofilm on tooth surfaces, especially at the gum line, and inflame the surrounding tissue. Licorice cools and heals the inflammation, but it does not remove plaque or tartar. Use Licorice alongside a professional dental cleaning, daily brushing, and flossing, not as a replacement. If you have visible tartar, see a dentist first.
Is daily Licorice mouthrinse safe long-term?
Topical Licorice (mouthrinse, paste, oil-pulling) carries very little systemic absorption and is safe for extended use, including the 4 to 6 week course that mild-to-moderate gingivitis typically needs. The blood pressure caution that applies to oral Licorice (capsules, teas swallowed daily) does not meaningfully apply to mouthrinse if you spit it out. People with high blood pressure can still use the rinse safely.
Licorice vs Neem for gingivitis, which is better?
They target different layers. Neem is the antimicrobial: bitter, drying, and powerful against the plaque-forming bacteria. Licorice is the anti-inflammatory and tissue-healing layer: cooling, soothing, and ideal for hot, tender, bleeding gums. Many classical protocols combine them, Neem twig or bark for the microbial load, Licorice rinse for the inflammation and healing. For acute red, sore, bleeding gums, lead with Licorice. For chronic plaque-heavy gums with bad breath, lead with Neem.
Can I use Licorice for bleeding gums that come from brushing too hard?
Yes, this is exactly the picture Licorice is suited for. The classical name for soft, spongy, easily-bleeding gums is Sheetada, and the Yashtimadhu rinse calms the inflamed margin while supporting healing of the micro-ulcerations. Pair it with a softer toothbrush and gentler technique. If bleeding persists beyond 2 to 3 weeks despite both, see a dentist to rule out bleeding gums from other causes.
Recommended: Start Licorice for Gingivitis
If you want to start using Licorice for gingivitis today, here is the simplest, most classical starting point.
Best Form: Yashtimadhu Mouthrinse
Licorice works on the gum line topically, not as a swallowed tea. Simmer 1 teaspoon of Yashtimadhu powder in 1 cup of water for 8 to 10 minutes, strain, cool to warm, and swish 2 to 3 tablespoons in your mouth for 60 seconds, twice daily after brushing. Spit out, do not swallow.
Kitchen Version
Add a pinch of Yashtimadhu powder to a tablespoon of warm sesame oil. Swish gently for 5 to 10 minutes (this is the classical Gandusha oil-pulling pattern named in the Ayurveda Encyclopedia for gingivitis), spit out, rinse, then brush.
Dosha Fork
- Pitta-type (red, hot, tender, easily bleeding gums): use the cool Yashtimadhu rinse twice daily; add a pinch of cardamom to the decoction for extra cooling.
- Kapha-type (spongy, swollen gums with deep pockets, bad breath): pair the Licorice rinse with Neem twig chewing or Neem mouthwash to address the microbial load.
- Vata-type (receding, dry gums with sensitivity): use the Licorice-sesame oil Gandusha once daily; the oil moistens and the Licorice soothes.
Find Licorice (Yashtimadhu) Powder on Amazon ↗ Find Sesame Oil for Gandusha ↗
Safety note: This protocol is for mild-to-moderate gingivitis. If you have deep pockets, severe bleeding, loose teeth, or pain on chewing, you may have periodontitis that requires dental scaling and root planing, not a herbal rinse alone. Recurrent gum bleeding can also signal diabetes or a bleeding disorder, see a clinician if it persists beyond 3 weeks of consistent care.
Safety & Precautions
Licorice is one of the most-used herbs on earth, but it is also one of the very few Ayurvedic herbs with a well-documented, dose-dependent side-effect profile. The active compound glycyrrhizin is the reason for both its power and its cautions. The good news: nearly all of the risk is avoidable by understanding dose and form.
The Hypertension Warning (Read This First)
Glycyrrhizin inhibits the enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which allows cortisol to act on mineralocorticoid receptors. The practical result is pseudoaldosteronism, the body behaves as if aldosterone is elevated. This means:
- Sodium and water retention, blood pressure rises
- Potassium loss through urine, risk of hypokalaemia
- In extreme cases: muscle weakness, arrhythmia, and oedema
Classical Ayurveda describes this directly: Licorice "increases water around the heart" and is contraindicated in hridroga (heart disease) and swelling. Modern cardiology agrees. Do not take therapeutic doses of whole-root Licorice if you have high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, low potassium, or a history of stroke. For any of these, DGL is the safe alternative.
Dose Matters Enormously
The difference between "daily tonic" and "adverse event" is dose and duration:
- Culinary/trace amounts (a piece of root in tea, a lozenge), safe for virtually everyone
- 1-3 g/day of powder, short-term (up to 4-6 weeks), safe for most healthy adults
- Above 3 g/day, or daily for months, real risk of BP elevation and potassium loss, even in previously healthy people
- DGL, no glycyrrhizin, effectively no BP risk at any typical dose
Drug Interactions
Licorice can meaningfully interact with several common medications. If you are on any of the following, consult your doctor before using therapeutic doses:
- Diuretics (especially thiazides and loop diuretics), compounds potassium loss dangerously
- Digoxin, low potassium increases digoxin toxicity risk
- Corticosteroids, Licorice extends their half-life and effect
- Warfarin, may alter bleeding risk
- Blood pressure medication, Licorice directly opposes the drug's action
- Oral contraceptives and hormone therapy, phyto-oestrogenic effect may potentiate
- Insulin and oral hypoglycaemics, Licorice can affect blood sugar in either direction
Pregnancy and Nursing
Classical Ayurveda states plainly: do not use in pregnancy. Modern observational data aligns, high Licorice intake during pregnancy is associated with preterm labour and second-trimester bleeding risk. Small culinary amounts and DGL are likely fine, but therapeutic whole-root use should be avoided. During breastfeeding, small amounts appear safe, but avoid prolonged high-dose use.
Other Cautions
- High Kapha individuals, Licorice's sweet, heavy, moist qualities can aggravate Kapha and worsen oedema, congestion, or sluggishness. Combine with ginger or black pepper to offset.
- Low potassium diet, Licorice increases potassium excretion. Pair with potassium-rich foods (banana, spinach, coconut water).
- Calcium absorption, chronic high-dose use may interfere with calcium absorption; classical texts flag caution in osteoporosis.
- Hypoglycaemia, Licorice can lower blood sugar; take with food if prone.
Signs You Are Taking Too Much
Watery weight gain, puffy face, ankle swelling, muscle weakness or cramps, headaches, and unexplained BP elevation. If any of these appear, stop immediately, effects usually resolve within 1-2 weeks once the herb is discontinued.
Other Herbs for Gingivitis
See all herbs for gingivitis on the Gingivitis page.
▶ Classical Text References (5 sources)
Meat juice (Mamsarasa) which is not very thick, Rasala (curds churned and mixed with pepper powder and sugar), Raga (syrup which is sweet, sour and salty) and Khandava (syrup which has all the tastes, prepared with many substances), Panaka panchasara, (syrup prepared with raisins (draksha), madhuka, dates (karjura), kasmarya, and parushaka fruits all in equal quantities, cooled and added with powder of cinnamon leaves, cinnamon and cardamom etc) and kept inside a fresh mud pot, along with leav
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 3: Ritucharya adhyaya Seasonal
117-118 मोचखजूरपनसना रकेलप षकम ् आ ाततालका मयराजादनमधूकजम ् सौवीरबदरा कोलफ गु ले मातको वम ् वातामा भशुका ोडमक ु ू लक नकोचकम ् उ माणं यालं च बं ृहणं गु शीतलम ् दाह त यहरं र त प त सादनम ् वाद ुपाकरसं ि न धं व टि भ कफशु कृत ् Mocha (plantain), kharjura (dates) panasa (jack fruits) narikela (cocoanut ) parusaka amrataka , tala, kasmarya, rajadana, madhuka, badara, ankola, phalgu, slesmataka, vatama, abhisuka, aksoda, mukulaka, nikocaka, urumanam, and priyala make the body stout, not easily di
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 6: Annaswaroopa Food
Similarly so, are Madhuka – Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Mrdvika (grapes) Madhuka and dry grapes – both have similar qualities.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 9: Dravyadi Vigyaniya
Similarly so, are Madhuka – Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Mrdvika (grapes) Madhuka and dry grapes – both have similar qualities.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 9: Dravyadi Vigyaniya
But dry grape has mild purgative action, but Madhuka does not.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 9: Dravyadi Vigyaniya
, Rishabhaka, Madhuka – Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra, Madhuka – Madhuka longifolia, Bimbi – Coccinia grandis / indica, Vidari – Pueraria tuberosa, the two Sravani – Mundi and Sravani, Ksheerasukla, Tugaksiri, the two Ksheerini, Gambhari, the two Saha, milk, sugarcane, Gokshura, Ksaudra, Draksa etc.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 10: Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
, Rishabhaka, Madhuka – Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra, Madhuka – Madhuka longifolia, Bimbi – Coccinia grandis / indica, Vidari – Pueraria tuberosa, the two Sravani – Mundi and Sravani, Ksheerasukla, Tugaksiri, the two Ksheerini, Gambhari, the two Saha, milk, sugarcane, Gokshura, Ksaudra, Draksa etc.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 10: Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
It usually contains Madanaphala (Randia spinosa), Licorice etc.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 18: Vamana Virechana Vidhi
Similar is the case of Anuvasana – fat enema and Matra basti – fat enema with very little oil 34-36 Anu taila जीव तीजलदे वदा जलद व से यगोपी हमं दाव व मधुक लवागु वर पु ा व ब वो पलम ् धाव यौ सरु भं ि थरे कृ महरं प ं ु ट रे णक ु ां कि ज कं कमला वलां शतगुणे द ये अ भ स वाथयेत ् ३७ तैला सं दशगण ु ं प रशो य तेन तैलं पचेत ् स ललेन दशैव वारान ् पाके पे चदशमे सममाजद ु धं न यं महागुणमुश यणुतैलमेतत ् ३८ Jivanti, Jala, Devadaru, Jalada, Twak, Sevya, Gopi (sariva), Hima, Darvi twak, Madhuka, Plava, A
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 20: Nasya Vidhi Nasal
13-15 For Shamana- Madyama, medium kind of smoke शमने श लक ला ा प ृ वीका कमलो पलम ् य ोधोद ु बरा व थ ल रो वचः सताः यि टमधु सुवण वक् प कं र तयि टका ग धा चाकु ठतगराः useful drugs are - shallaki, Laksha,Prithvika, Kamala, Utpala, Barks of Nyagrodha, Udumbara, Asvattha, Plaksa and Rodhra; Sita, Yasthimadhu (licorice), Suvarnatwak, Padmaka, Raktayastika Kustha, tagara and other scents – perfumeries.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 21: Dhumpana Medicated Smoking
Herbal smoking blends – Dhuma dravyani – For Mridu- mild kind of smoke, म ृदौ त या यगु गु गुलु मु त थौणेयशैलेयनलदोशीरवालकम ् वय गकौ तीमधुक ब वम जैलवालुकम ् ीवे टकं सजरसो यामकं मदनं लवम ् श लक कुं कुमं माषा यवाः कु द ु काि तलाः नेहः फलानां साराणां मेदो म जा वसा घ ृतम ् useful drugs are-Aguru, Guggulu, Musta, sthauneya, Shaileya, Nalada, Usheera, Valaka, Varanga, Kounti, Madhuka, Bilvamajja, elavaluka, Shrivestaka, Sarjarasa, Dhyamaka, Madana, Plava, Shallaki, Kumkuma, Masha, Yava, Kunduruk
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 21: Dhumpana Medicated Smoking
For Greeshma (summer) – कुमुदो पलक हारद ुवामधुकच दनम ् Kumuda, Utpala, Kalhara, Durva, Madhuka and Chandana (Sandalwood).
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 22: Gandushadi Vidhi Gargles
the ulcer should be covered with cotton swab soaked in a mixture of honey, melted ghee, Anjana – Srotonjana, ash of Ksyauma (flax), Phalini, fruit of Shallaki, Rodhra and Madhuka; then bandaging and other measures done as described previously.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 29: Shastrakarma Vidhi
If the site of the burn does not get torn from an ulcer because of being deep rooted, then a paste of seed of Dhanyamala-(sour gruel), Yashti (licorice) and tila (sesame) should be applied; तलक क: समधुको घ ृता ता णरोपण: । Paste of tila (sesame), and Madhuka mixed with ghee heals the ulcer.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 30: Kshar-AgniKarma Vidhi
If the site of the burn does not get torn from an ulcer because of being deep rooted, then a paste of seed of Dhanyamala-(sour gruel), Yashti (licorice) and tila (sesame) should be applied; तलक क: समधुको घ ृता ता णरोपण: । Paste of tila (sesame), and Madhuka mixed with ghee heals the ulcer.
— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 30: Kshar-AgniKarma Vidhi
Source: Astanga Hridaya, Ch. 3, Ch. 6, Ch. 9, Ch. 9, Ch. 9, Ch. 10, Ch. 10, Ch. 18, Ch. 20, Ch. 21, Ch. 21, Ch. 22, Ch. 29, Ch. 30, Ch. 30
Similarly so, are Madhuka – Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Mrdvika (grapes) Madhuka and dry grapes – both have similar qualities.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Dravyadi Vigyaniya
, Rishabhaka, Madhuka – Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra, Madhuka – Madhuka longifolia, Bimbi – Coccinia grandis / indica, Vidari – Pueraria tuberosa, the two Sravani – Mundi and Sravani, Ksheerasukla, Tugaksiri, the two Ksheerini, Gambhari, the two Saha, milk, sugarcane, Gokshura, Ksaudra, Draksa etc.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
It usually contains Madanaphala (Randia spinosa), Licorice etc.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Vamana Virechana Vidhi
Sita, Yasthimadhu (licorice), Suvarnatwak, Padmaka, Raktayastika Kustha, tagara and other scents – perfumeries.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Dhumpana Medicated Smoking
If the site of the burn does not get torn from an ulcer because of being deep rooted, then a paste of seed of Dhanyamala-(sour gruel), Yashti (licorice) and tila (sesame) should be applied;
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Kshar-AgniKarma Vidhi
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Dravyadi Vigyaniya; Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their; Vamana Virechana Vidhi; Dhumpana Medicated Smoking; Kshar-AgniKarma Vidhi
[249] Sauviranjana, tuttha, tapya-dhatu (maksika), manahshila, chaksushya (variety of kulattha), madhuka (Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra), loha bhasma(iron), precious stones, pushpanjana, saindhava, tusk of boar, kataka – strychnos potatorum may be used in the form of either powder or varti as collyrium which is excellent remedies for timira (cataract) and such other eye-diseases.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)
[278 ½- 279½] Recipe for restoration of hair: Application of the paste of tila – sesame (Sesamum indicum), amalaki – Phyllanthus emblica, kinjalka, madhuka– Licorice – Glycyrrhiza glabra and honey over the head restores the color of hair, and promotes hair growth.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)
Also: Murva (Marsdenia tenacissima), Madhurasa/Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra — licorice), Danti (Baliospermum montanum), Pushkara Moola (Inula racemosa), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Atibala (Abutilon indicum), Kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriens), and Trikantaka/Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 10: Asavarishta-Sandhanakalpana (Fermented Preparations)
The famous Dashanga Lepa (ten-ingredient paste) is made from: Shirisha (Albizia lebbeck), Madhuyashti (Glycyrrhiza glabra, licorice), Tagara (Valeriana wallichii), Rakta Chandana (red sandalwood, Pterocarpus santalinus), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum, cardamom), Mansi (Nardostachys jatamansi, spikenard), Nisha Yugma (Curcuma longa and Berberis aristata), Kushtha (Saussurea lappa), and Balaka (Pavonia odorata).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
By applying a paste of Yashti (licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra), Indivara (blue lotus, Nymphaea stellata), Mridvika (raisins, Vitis vinifera), sesame oil, and ghee, Indralupta (alopecia areata) is cured and the hair becomes dense and strong.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
This nourishing paste combines the anti-inflammatory licorice with cooling blue lotus and nutritive raisins in an oil-ghee base.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
A paste of Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), Nilotpala (blue lotus, Nymphaea stellata), Daru (Cedrus deodara), Chandana (sandalwood, Santalum album), Madhuka (licorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra), and Bala (Sida cordifolia), mixed with ghee and decoction -- this destroys Vata-type Visarpa (erysipelas/herpes).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 10: Asavarishta-Sandhanakalpana (Fermented Preparations); Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
The intense pain caused by the fall of the surgical instrument on the body is pacified by irrigation with warm ghee mixed with Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra / licorice) (42).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 5: Agropaharaniya Adhyaya - Surgical Instruments and Procedures
Key principles: (1) Only close clean wounds, (2) Post-op lifestyle restrictions, (3) Seasonal adjustment of wound care frequency, (4) Emergency exceptions to protocol, (5) Warm ghee with licorice for post-surgical pain — licorice has proven anti-inflammatory properties.
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 5: Agropaharaniya Adhyaya - Surgical Instruments and Procedures
Milk boiled with saindhava (rock salt), udicya, yashtimadhu (licorice), and pippali (long pepper), reduced to half — is beneficial for irrigation (seka) and also for ashchyotana (eye drops).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9: Vatabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Vata-type Conjunctivitis)
Madhuka (licorice), rajani (turmeric), pathya (haritaki), and devadaru (cedar) should be ground.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9: Vatabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Vata-type Conjunctivitis)
Draksha (grapes), audra, chandana (sandalwood), yashtimadhu (licorice), yoshit-tira, and rajyanka — ground to a paste with ghee, these are recommended for tarpana (eye nourishment), seka (irrigation), and nasya (nasal therapy).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 10: Pittabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Pitta-type Conjunctivitis)
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 5: Agropaharaniya Adhyaya - Surgical Instruments and Procedures; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9: Vatabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Vata-type Conjunctivitis); Uttara Tantra, Chapter 10: Pittabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Pitta-type Conjunctivitis)
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.